public transportation

Beginning next month, Wichita’s Q-Line – the free shuttle trolley service – will change routes to serve a broader area, and will include weekday service during lunchtime.

Currently, the trolley service operates in a circular fashion in the downtown area. Wichita Transit Director Steve Spade says the new system will operate north and south, serving hotels on Market and Main streets and in Old Town. Spade says the second route will expand east and west on Douglas.

City leaders in Lawrence are putting the brakes on plans to purchase new buses for their public transportation fleet. They're giving another look at using compressed natural gas as a power source. The city had planned to buy three diesel and diesel-electric hybrid buses, but it's re-thinking the purchase because of the lower cost of natural gas.

A feasibility study four years ago compared the fuel costs, but that was before natural gas prices dropped and supplies increased.

The average price for diesel fuel nationally is about $3.90 per gallon.

May has been proclaimed Bicycle Month. The city of Wichita is celebrating by highlighting recent bike path improvements and by looking forward to what's next. There are also many bicycle-related events planned throughout the city.

Highlighted Events

May 17 is Bike to Work Day, which will include breakfast stations around Wichita from 7:00 to 9:00 and free lunch at Old Town Square from 11:30 to 1:30.